Resuscitatie

Resuscitatie is the set of life-saving procedures used to restore breathing and circulation in people who have stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating. It encompasses actions by laypersons in the community as well as by healthcare professionals in and outside hospital settings. The goal is to preserve brain function and improve survival by restoring circulation, oxygen delivery, and, when possible, spontaneous circulation.

The framework often distinguishes basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS). The chain of survival emphasizes early recognition and call for help, prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with emphasis on chest compressions, rapid defibrillation when indicated, advanced medical care, and post-resuscitation care. Defibrillation is crucial for shockable rhythms and is typically delivered with an automated external defibrillator (AED) as soon as it is available.

In a typical layperson scenario, the responder ensures scene safety, checks responsiveness, and calls emergency services. If the person is not breathing normally, CPR should be started. For adults, standard CPR involves chest compressions at a rate of about 100–120 per minute and a depth of about 5–6 cm, with minimal interruptions. If trained and able, provide rescue breaths; if not, perform hands-only CPR. An AED should be attached as soon as possible and shocks delivered when indicated, followed by continuing CPR.

In hospital settings, resuscitation teams perform coordinated ACLS protocols, including airway management, vascular access, medication administration, rhythm analysis, and ongoing verification of patient status. Outcomes depend on the cause, time to intervention, and quality of resuscitation, but rapid action and effective defibrillation markedly improve chances of survival.